Tokyo is a huge and often confusing city for travelers , but with these tips you need n't be daunted by the Japanese capital .

100 Yen shops are great value for money .

Subway Tokyo has an incredibly efficient subway , but the 13 lines are run by two different companies , Toei Subways and Tokyo Metro , meaning a bewildering variety of day passes are available . A good bet is the Toei and Tokyo Metro One-Day Economy Pass , which costs ¥ 1,000 and gives you a day of unlimited travel on all subway lines . During rush-hour the subway becomes an unbearable crush . All social niceties go out the window in a free for all that 's best avoided completely .

Taxis During the day traffic can be gridlocked , but in the evening , when traffic is lighter , taxis are reasonably alternative to the subway . Enter and exit taxis by the back left-hand door . Do n't make the novice 's error of trying to open or close the door -- your white-gloved driver will do that from the front seat . Ideally , have a map of your destination , or at least an address written in Japanese . Tipping is not expected .

ATMs Although Tokyo is ultra-modern , you may have to revert to carrying travelers ' checks for the duration of your stay . Few ATMs accept foreign cards , although you should have more luck at post offices and branches of Citibank .

ATMs in busy areas stay open until 9 p.m. and most are closed at weekends , although Citibank has 24-hour ATMs . Credit cards are still not accepted as widely as you might expect , so travelers ' checks are your best bet -- and make sure you 're carrying cash if you 're planning a night out away from the city center .

What 's on The best way to keep up with events and entertainment is with one of Tokyo 's English language magazines . Metropolis and Tokyo Notice Board are two of the best -- and they 're both free .

100 Yen shops These bargain stores are hugely popular in Tokyo , selling everything from food to toiletries for ¥ 100 plus ¥ 5 tax -- about $ 1 . They are also a great place to pick up an inexpensive , kitschy souvenir . Daiso 100-Yen Shop in Takeshita-dori -LRB- Village 107 Building , 1-19-24 Jingumae , Shibuya-ku -RRB- has four floors of cheap thrills .

Etiquette As a foreigner , having a generally courteous demeanor will cover a multitude of sins , but there are a few rules you should try to remember :

- Never use your chopsticks to take food from someone else 's and do n't stick your chopsticks upright in your food when you 've finished -- both of these denote funerary customs .

- If you 're eating with other people , do n't pour your own drink . Fill your neighbor 's glass and wait for them to reciprocate .

- The Japanese do n't pour sauces onto their rice . Leave any sauces in their serving dish and dip your food in lightly .

- It 's a faux pas be seen eating in public -- especially on a train . And blowing your nose in public is an absolute no-no .

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What are your tips for a great stay in Tokyo ? Where have you found the `` real '' Tokyo ? Send us your suggestions in the `` Sound Off '' box below and we 'll print the best .

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Tokyo has a fantastic subway system -- just do n't use it during rush hour

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Few ATMs accept foreign cards , so you should take travelers ' checks

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100 Yen shops are hugely popular in Tokyo and are great value for money